Syndicates and protesters took to the streets to defend the symbolic nature of May 1st. In a context of war in the Middle East and rising energy prices, peace and wage increases are also at the heart of the demands. The CGT counted more than 300,000 demonstrators throughout France, including 100,000 in Paris.
On this May 1st, 2026, the Parisian procession is quite pronounced given the government’s attacks on this international day of struggles for workers’ rights, the only mandatory public holiday. Near Place de la République, where the demonstration starts towards the Nation, CGT Secretary General Sophie Binet emphasizes: “It’s not May 1st shopping that should be on the agenda, but a big plan to increase wages and block profits. Working more to supposedly earn more is a hoax that has already cost us our Sundays, our evenings. Today, Sunday work is no longer major, nor even voluntary.” The leader reiterates her union’s demands: wage increases, starting with the minimum wage and reinstating price indexation, raising the index point for civil servants, revaluing pensions and minimum social benefits, and freezing fuel prices. On the same day, Sophie Binet wrote a letter to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu expressing her great concern about the “economic and social consequences of the war in the Near and Middle East.” On his part, Laurent Escure, Secretary General of Unsa, adds: “This logic of the market, of profit, goes against collective time, reflection time, the action that needs to be protected.”
“Do not touch May 1st”
This sentiment is echoed by Charazed, a young sales employee in a bakery, marching for the first time near the CGT van of Val-de-Marne. “May 1st must remain sacred. It’s the only day we can not work. I’m not interested in being paid double, what I want is to enjoy my day.” Workers from the food craft sector march behind a CGT banner proclaiming “yes to a meaningful and paid May 1st in the food craft sector.” Ninon, a 25-year-old student, mocks the supposed voluntarism of employees: “Last year, I worked in a bakery on May 1st and I didn’t have a choice. My boss told me that if I didn’t come, it would be a mess for me. It’s important to say no to the government and fight for our rights.”
Baptiste, a circus performer and member of the professional union of CGT artists, laments the politicians who “erase the working-class history of May 1st, these struggles worldwide, where rights have been won, sometimes by shedding blood.” He worries about budget cuts and the massive layoff plan silently affecting the cultural world.
“Fighting against the far right, more than ever”
With a year until the presidential election, the rise of the far right, the increase in racism, and the attacks on people of foreign origin also dominate discussions. Administrative harassment of foreign workers who must renew their residence permits every year due to digitalization complicating access to administration is highlighted. The procession sees hairdressers on strike from 65 Boulevard de Strasbourg attaining some success. Delphine, a counselor for insertion and probation, asserts the importance of showing strength in the face of the far right and not being diverted from essential issues.
“Defending a social model that has proven itself”
As demands for fuel price freezes, wage increases, especially for the minimum wage, feature prominently, the presence of around forty Disneyland employees wearing the CGT’s red vest testifies to the success of the struggle. Fabien Beiersdorss, a CGT union delegate, acknowledges the impact of strikes on obtaining salary increases over the years. 320 demonstrations were planned across France.
